Cruises to & from San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has often been called one of the best Caribbean islands for foodies, and the focal point of all that delicious cuisine is San Juan. Try some tapas at a local cafe, or go all out with a waterfront dining experience at a fine restaurant. At some local restaurants, you’ll get to hear traditional music and watch dance performances during your meal. The can’t-miss food item to try in Puerto Rico is mofongo, a side dish that accompanies most meals made from fried green plantains mashed up with salt, olive oil, and garlic. For drinks, don’t miss some locally distilled rum or a glass of sangria. 

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Its location in the northeastern Caribbean near the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands gives it a mix of Caribbean, American, and European influences. Adding to that cultural background is the history of the indigenous tribes who once lived here, African slaves who were brought to the island, and the colonial past that brought the Spanish, who built great forts and settled the town of San Juan in 1521. 

Today, you’ll find a city with a focus on the future while still striving to preserve its own unique culture of dance, music, cuisine, and folklore. Travelers on cruises from San Juan or visiting San Juan as a port of call will find that tourism is a big part of the economy and will be charmed by its residents, who are known for their warm hospitality to visitors. Behind the scenes, however, you’ll find one of the most robust economies in the Caribbean, which is largely influenced by the industries of service and manufacturing. Agriculture also plays a role in Puerto Rico’s economy, though not as much as it once did. 

Old San Juan has a plethora of souvenir shops located throughout the town. You’ll find typical souvenirs mixed in with locally made handicrafts. For a fun souvenir from San Juan, pick up one of the tourist-favorite Panama hats. Though not within walking distance for cruisers stopping in San Juan for the day, those taking one of the cruises from San Juan and flying in early will enjoy taking a stroll down Ashford Avenue in Condado, a part of New San Juan with a variety of boutiques and luxury stores. Plaza Las Americas, the largest mall in the Caribbean, has many popular brand name stores. 

The bus system in San Juan stops at all the major attractions and is an affordable way to tour the city, both in Old San Juan and beyond to the neighborhoods of Condado and New San Juan. Old San Juan also has a free trolley service that visits many of the top sites. Look for the marked trolley stop signs and wait for the next one to arrive, which typically doesn’t take long as trolleys are frequently running. There are three different routes and two types of trolleys to choose from: open-air and enclosed with air conditioning. Taxis are also easy to hail in San Juan, where they line up outside the cruise terminal or in ranks around the city.

The official currency in Puerto Rico is the U.S. Dollar. You’ll find ATMs all around the city dispensing dollar bills. Expect to tip what you’re used to in the U.S., which is typically 15% to 20% of the total bill.